Topic: Newsroom

With little ghosts and goblins out in search of tricks and lots of delicious treats this Halloween, MPI is encouraging road users of all ages to do their part to keep pedestrians safe.

With 18 pedestrians killed in collisions in Manitoba so far this year, it has never been more important to be alert and take additional caution on this busy day and night on roadways throughout the province.

“While all road users in Manitoba play a role in ensuring pedestrians are able to move safely on and around our streets, it’s important to recognize that those outside of a vehicle are at a clear safety disadvantage,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “Drivers have a great responsibility to always be vigilant and practice safe driving habits to make all of our walkways and roads safe for pedestrians, especially on nights like Halloween.”

Road safety messaging key for school-age children

Understanding how crucial it is to begin road safety education at a young age, MPI has offered its Halloween Pedestrian Safety Promotion Program, aimed at reaching children from Kindergarten to Grade 6, since 2000.

Taking a new approach this year, the Corporation is sharing an interactive and informative animated video designed to engage children through relatable characters and stories. This new and exciting cartoon provides vital and informative road safety information through a kid-focused lens.

The video, available in both English and French, has been distributed to schools across Manitoba and is also available online through MPI’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, MPI has sent over 118,000 wearable flashing safety lights to schools province wide to help trick-or-treaters to be seen. The eye-catching, flashing, round, 47mm LED lights can be put on any costume and will ensure all those who use them will be seen by motorists and pedestrians alike.

“We know trick or treating is an exciting time for children and we want to ensure their evening is a safe and happy one. These flashing lights will help get kids noticed by motorists at every intersection and at every street corner as children seek their Halloween treats throughout our province,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer.

Safety tips for tricks, treats and safe streets

For motorists:

• Don’t speed ─ slow down, especially when you see children walking.
• Don’t assume children see your vehicle, they could run out in front of you.
• Watch for children who may dart between parked vehicles. Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice.
• Stop and yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians about to cross at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Do not to pass traffic ahead of you that is slowing down or stopped for pedestrians using crosswalks. Not only is it unsafe, it’s illegal.

For trick-or-treaters:

• Look both ways for traffic before crossing the street. Use corners and crosswalks as they are the safest places to cross.
• Always walk – never run – across the street and never cross between parked cars.
• Wait for cars to come to a full stop before crossing.
• Be seen by wearing reflective clothing or costumes.
• In neighbourhoods where there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic the left-hand edge of the roadway.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) will continue to recognize and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, Sept. 30, continuing the practice established in 2021.

This day will be observed by many across the country and here in Manitoba to honour survivors, their families, and their communities in the wake of the tragic history and legacy of residential schools.

We will be recognizing this important day by closing all our offices, including Service and Claim Centre locations and our Contact Centre in recognition and respect.

Regular operations will resume on Saturday, Oct. 1.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

On Monday, Sept. 19, Manitoba Public Insurance will respectfully observe the National Day of Mourning for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II while maintaining scheduled appointments and other services at locations throughout the province.

While MPI will close most of its operations in observation of this day, the Corporation will maintain critical services to reduce customer impacts.

MPI services and locations that will remain available to Manitobans include:

• MPI Service/Claim Centres (including customer service transactions, driver testing, estimating, claims processing unit and adjusting services)
• Contact Centre Operations
• Physical Damage Centre (including estimating, total loss unit, salvage, compound and customer service transactions)

Scheduled knowledge and road tests, estimating and adjusting appointments throughout the province will be unaffected.

MPI’s Contact Centre will continue to be available at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to assist customers with claims reporting, rescheduling appointment services and general inquiries.

Customers are also encouraged to contact their Autopac agent for regular services, where available.

Eligible payments and services will continue to be available through MPI’s Online Services option at mpi.mb.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is addressing the higher-than-normal demand for more Class 5 road tests by opening two of its largest centres on Sundays and adding additional resources. 

“We recognize the need for more Class 5 road tests” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President & Chief Customer Officer. “Our long treacherous winter filled with numerous road closures and appointment cancellations, coupled with backlog from COVID-19 has fueled the longer wait-times for testing. Our team is deploying multiple initiatives to alleviate this backlog and give more access to road test.” 

Effective September 11, road tests services will be offered Sundays at the Bison Drive Service Centre and the Gateway Road Service Centre from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers can book their appointment online starting Wednesday August 31.

In addition to the Sunday openings, MPI is employing the following measures to address the high demand to address driver testing wait-times: 

• Hiring up to 20 new examiners to add additional capacity.  
• Offering paid overtime to employees to work on days-off. 
• Provide overtime hours to rural driver testers to work in Winnipeg on days off. 

All these efforts combined will increase current testing capacity by 50 per cent over the coming months. 

“Our team remains committed to serving our customers, and we are working diligently to address this backlog and increase demand by adding additional testing capacity. We would encourage all those who are coming in for testing to schedule road tests only when they have obtained adequate professional training and driving experience,” Jatana said.

MPI would like to emphasize that only road test services will be available on Sundays. Upon the successful completion of a road test, customers will be provided with documentation to be brought to either an Autopac agent or an MPI Service Centre during normal business hours to complete the licensing process.  

 

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging Manitobans to learn how to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft as reports of this type of crime have significantly increased in recent months.

According to MPI claims data, since 2021 the Corporation has seen approximately 150 catalytic converter theft-related claims reported monthly, with April 2022 exceeding 300.

In response, MPI recently launched an online education initiative aimed at empowering customers with the information they need to keep their vehicles safe.

“We know that these critical parts of a vehicle’s emission system can be high in value when resold as they contain rare metals and are relatively easy to remove from a vehicle that isn’t parked in a secure location with correct safeguards,” explained Eric Herbelin, President & CEO, MPI.

“With so many Manitobans impacted by this issue and many more wanting to avoid these types of thefts, our goal is to share the most common vehicles we have seen targeted and how all Manitobans can take preventative steps to increase the chances they won’t be filing a claim with MPI as result.”

The online initiative includes a dedicated webpage, mpi.mb.ca/catalytic, as well as a series of social media posts to raise awareness of what a catalytic converter is, why they’re attractive to thieves, as well as highlighting the most targeted vehicles models according to MPI claims data and what actions owners can take.

Top five vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft

1. Hyundai Tucson
2. Honda CR-V
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
4. Kia Sportage
5. Mitsubishi RVR

Five tips to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft

Since converter thieves tend to target cars at ideal locations, most prevention methods involve your parking practices.

1. Park in well-lit areas.
2. Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. This leaves your car in a location where many people can see it.
3. If you have a personal garage, keep your car parked inside with the door shut.
4. Add video surveillance to the area where you regularly park your car.
5. Adjust the security system on your car, if already installed, to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw.

To better support customers who have been impacted by catalytic converter thefts, MPI revised its betterment and depreciation framework in 2021 to provide greater financial relief to customers facing catalytic converter replacements.

MPI also continues to partner with Manitoba Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre and organizations like Crime Stoppers to share information in efforts to develop more effective deterrence strategies.

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Manitoba Public Insurance is warning its customers not to respond to or click on any links in a text message regarding the collection of money or missed payments.

The text, which appears to be from MPI, states that the customer has missed a payment and recommends clicking a link to complete a payment transaction.

This message is not from MPI – the Corporation does not conduct business regarding payments in this manner.

Should a customer receive a text of this nature, MPI recommends the following:

• Do not respond to the message or click on any links.
• Customers who have concerns about their account or payments are asked to contact their Autopac agent or Manitoba Public Insurance’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) filed its provisional 2023/24 General Rate Application with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) today, requesting an average rate decrease of 0.9 per cent.

“During this time of widespread volatility in financial markets as well as increasing inflation, we are pleased to be in a position to request a rate decrease for Manitobans as a result of the Corporation’s ongoing prudent fiscal management,” said Mark Giesbrecht, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, MPI.

This fourth consecutive annual rate decrease request is primarily the result of emerging claims trends and the continued strength of MPI’s rate stabilization reserve. By ensuring sufficient capital is available in the reserve to absorb any unforeseen variations in revenues and claims costs allows Basic compulsory rates to be kept as stable, predictable and affordable as possible for Manitoba drivers.

This reserve has been additionally important in 2022 as MPI has seen claims volumes increase substantially from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as Manitobans returned to more predictable driving patterns through a very difficult winter season as well as continued inflationary pressures.

“Over the course of the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in fewer claims, which meant MPI returned nearly $500 million to policyholders in rebates ─ $312 million in February 2022, $110 million in May 2020 and $69 million in December 2020,” said Giesbrecht.

“However, as many Manitobans have returned to previous driving behaviours, so have our overall claims and subsequently our financial forecasting, as reflected in this year’s application.”

Proposed changes to the Driver Safety Rating system

In this year’s application, the Corporation is also proposing an expansion to the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) system to allow the safest drivers to receive the greatest benefits, consistent with the five-year plan first brought forward in last year’s application.

One of the ways MPI encourages and rewards safe driving is through the DSR system, which recognizes safe driving behaviour in a fair and simple way. Manitobans’ position on the scale depends on an individual’s driving record. If approved, in 2023/24, the top of the DSR scale will expand from +16 to +17.

Capital release

As part of this application, MPI will also be requesting to remove the Capital Release Provision, which previously has translated into a discount of five per cent as part of the overall rate.

The capital release was a one-time discount based on the state of the Corporation’s capital reserve fund when rates were being determined. It appeared on customers’ annual statement of accounts and renewal notices and did not affect the customer’s base premium in future years. All of the Corporation’s excess capital has now been returned to Manitobans through the last round of rebates.

MPI’s request at the time of the filing is provisional, based on its fiscal-year end financials and current interest rates. MPI routinely adjusts its overall rate indication after the initial filing as it refines its forecast closer to the start of the hearing.

The PUB hearings will begin in October, concluding later in the month, and the board normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2023, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until March 31, 2024.

Manitoba Public Insurance’s Winnipeg King Edward Service Centre is returning to its permanent location at 125 King Edward St. E (Route 90), effective Monday, May 30.

The location temporarily closed to MPI staff and customers in November 2020 to be used as a COVID-19 testing site by Shared Health. Over the past year and a half, a temporary location on Ellice Avenue provided an alternative option in the same vicinity.

Most services will resume at the permanent location including front counter, driver testing, and claims services. At this time, estimating services will not be offered at the King Edward Service Centre.

The location will be open regular hours – 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

MPI is pleased to announce a new simplified driver’s licence exchange process for eligible individuals from Ukraine arriving in Manitoba.

Effective May 9, MPI will begin exchanging full stage Ukrainian Category B (including BE) passenger vehicle licences for Manitoba full stage Class 5 licences without the need for further knowledge or road testing. Commercial class licences or motorcycle licences are not eligible for exchange.

Eligible individuals who have recently arrived in Manitoba and have already started the driver licensing/testing process should contact MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to discuss their options.

This initiative was made possible by MPI’s due diligence process, consisting of in-depth analysis of Ukraine’s driver education requirements, and testing standards, including leveraging previous work recently completed between Ukraine and the United Kingdom for this purpose.

With this decision, Ukraine becomes the 15th jurisdiction with which Manitoba holds a reciprocity or licence exchange arrangement. Exchange arrangements were finalized with Japan in 2021, and Australia in 2018. A full reciprocal country list is available here.

All newcomers and visitors to Manitoba can drive on their existing licence for up to three months before they require a Manitoba licence. Reciprocity arrangements require newcomers to provide documents including a valid driver’s license from the reciprocal country and/or a translated copy or English version of their driver’s record. All exchanged licences will be reviewed to ensure they are genuine and valid.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Manitoba Public Insurance’s Brandon Service Centre will be closed today for front counter services.

Customers are encouraged to visit their Autopac agent or call our Contact Centre at 1-800-665-2410 to discuss their alternative options.

Customers with driver testing or estimating appointments should attend the location as scheduled.

As many municipalities anticipate flood conditions beginning or continuing to develop in their communities this weekend, MPI is reminding customers to proactively plan to best protect themselves and their vehicles during this challenging time.

“The safety of our customers is our top priority as many Manitobans deal with impacts of flooding this spring,” said Satvir Jatana, Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “As conditions can change quickly, we encourage those impacted to make a plan to keep their driver’s licence and insurance active and avoid potential damage to their vehicles.”

Impacted Manitobans are encouraged to take the following steps to be as flood-ready as possible:

Know your renewal options. To ensure customers remain able to renew their driver’s licence and/or vehicle registration on time, options are available. Customers in impacted areas can contact their local Autopac agent to discuss their specific needs, including services available by phone.

Relocate your vehicles. Move all vehicles, including ATVS, trailers and snowmobiles and others in storage, away from the flood zone to prevent costly water damage. Flood waters can damage your vehicle’s electrical system and major components, including anti-lock brakes and airbags.

Check your coverage. Before moving vehicles with lay-up coverage, ensure your vehicle is properly registered and insured. A short-term policy or Temporary Registration Permit can be purchased from your nearest Autopac agent or any of our Service Centre locations.

File a water damage claim. Should your vehicle be damaged by flood conditions, call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to open a claim.

Road safety on flooded roadways

If you must travel in flood conditions, MPI reminds motorists to plan ahead as much as possible. Before leaving check road and weather conditions on highways by calling 511 or with local law enforcement for updates in cities and towns.

If you find yourself on or near a flooded roadway this spring, follow these road safety tips:

• Never attempt to cross a flooded road. When driving your vehicle in a flooded region, be on the lookout for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• Think about what you can’t see. Before proceeding on a road covered with water, remember that soft road surfaces can give way under a vehicle’s load and that large potholes are often concealed beneath the surface.
• Watch the current. A fast-flowing current over a roadway can cause a possible loss of vehicle control on non-paved surfaces. Proceed with caution!
• Test your brakes after driving through deep water by driving slowly and applying brake pressure lightly. Other parts such as emergency brake cables, axels and electronic components should be dried and checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
• Don’t attempt to start your vehicle if it has been submerged in water as you run the risk of unexpected system failure. Call our Contact Centre to open a claim.
• Don’t attempt to retrieve your vehicle from a flooded area until the water has receded and it’s safe to enter.

Manitoba Public Insurance’s Portage la Prairie Service Centre is returning to its permanent location at 2007 Saskatchewan Ave. W., Portage la Prairie, effective Monday, April 25.

The location temporarily closed to MPI staff and customers in November 2020 to be used as a COVID-19 testing site by Shared Health.

As of April 25, 2022, the 2007 Saskatchewan Ave. W. location will again offer front counter and claim services and all knowledge tests and road tests for Classes 4, 5, and 6 will be conducted from this site. Road tests for Classes 1, 2, and 3 will continue to be conducted at the mall location at 2450 Saskatchewan Ave. W. until further notice.

Due to the unprecedented nature of the spring blizzard across Manitoba and in the best interest employees and customer safety over the coming days, all impacted MPI service and claim centre locations, in addition to cityplace and MPI’s Physical Damage Centre have closed, effective 3 p.m. today (April 13) and will remain closed tomorrow (April 14).

MPI’s Contact Centre will continue to be available at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to assist customers with claims reporting, rescheduling appointment services and general inquiries. Customers are also encouraged to contact their Autopac agent for regular services, where available. Eligible payments and services will continue to be available through MPI’s Online Services option at mpi.mb.ca.

MPI’s Thompson Service Centre and The Pas and Swan River Claim Centres will remain open as they are not currently impacted by this storm.

All MPI locations will be closed, as planned, on April 15 for Good Friday and April 18 for Easter Monday. It is anticipated that MPI’s Gateway, Bison and Main Street Service Centre locations in Winnipeg with regular hours on Saturday, April 16. However, the Corporation will continue to reassess the situation as it progresses in the coming days.

Customer impacts

All in-person service appointments, including driver testing and estimating, are cancelled for April 13 and 14. Impacted customers are in the process of being contacted and rescheduled for a later date. All other scheduled virtual or phone appointments will continue as planned.

Due to the severity of the storm, MPI anticipates delays in claims processing, estimating and towing services over the coming days.

MPI’s Physical Damage Centre is closed for in-person salvage payment, however customers can complete payments online per usual and contact the Salvage department at [email protected] and 204-985-7844 for additional support and questions.

Customers should also expect that MPI mail communications may be delayed in the coming days due to these severe weather conditions as well.

With a major blizzard anticipated in the coming days, Manitoba motorists are reminded to drive to road conditions and consider rescheduling appointments with Manitoba Public Insurance this week at no cost.

Due to the predicted poor weather conditions throughout the province starting later today, MPI customers with scheduled appointments, including for driver testing services, can reschedule at no additional cost.

For customers wishing to reschedule an appointment within the next 24 hours, they can call Manitoba Public Insurance’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

For customers with appointments outside of the next 24 hours, rescheduling options are also available through MPI’s Online Services’ Book a Road Test option.

“The safety of Manitobans on our shared roads is always what is most important to us. That’s why we are proactively rescheduling estimating appointments for this week where possible and offering customers the option of changing the date of their road tests and other services at no additional cost,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, MPI.

Road safety tips

If you must travel this week during the anticipated storm conditions, drivers are reminded to follow the following road safety tips:

• Before you head out on the highway, check for road and weather conditions by calling 511.
• Be cautious in travelling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures can freeze quickly due to no ground insulation.
• Don’t rush. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination safely.
• See where you’re going. Keeping windshields clear is essential so make sure windshield washer fluid is topped up and windows are clear of snow and ice.
• Allow more time to stop. Traction is reduced when roads are slippery; it takes more time to come to a complete stop.
• Leave more space. Don’t tailgate at any time and remember that following distance should be increased when travelling at higher speeds or in poor visibility.

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Manitoba Public Insurance confirmed today that it will be completing the previously announced transfer of funds from its non-compulsory Extension line of business to Driver and Vehicle Licensing to ensure the adequate funding of this line of business. Manitobans have enjoyed the convenience of one-stop shopping for their insurance and licensing needs since 2004. But the significant cost of driver licensing and vehicle licensing have never been properly funded. Today’s transfer is an estimated total amount of $65 million.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing line of business has been operating in a deficit since it has been administered by MPI. Additional funds are required for this reason but also to cover for significant investments in technology that are needed to continue to meet growing customer demands, including the provision of online services, and to create greater operational efficiencies.

This is the second of two transfers of excess funds that MPI announced last year, totalling $125 million. These funds were drawn from profits exceeding MPI’s target capital requirements in the non-compulsory Extension line of business, which exists to provide Manitobans more insurance options, including buying down their deductible, or purchasing additional Third Party Liability coverage, Rental Car insurance or Auto Loss of Use policies.

“These funds are coming from the Corporation’s competitive line, not its compulsory Basic Autopac line,” said Mark Giesbrecht, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The transfer is in full compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations and Manitobans can be assured that the Corporation will remain financially strong across all of its lines of business in its delivery of services.”

MPI is mandated to provide affordable rates for Manitobans while ensuring the financial health of the Corporation across all of its lines of business. In a reflection of its continued prudent financial management, MPI has provided nearly $500 million in rebates to its policy holders over the past two years ─ $110 million in May 2020, $69 million in December 2020 and $312 million in February 2022.

While maintaining its commitment to fulfilling its mandate, this latest transfer will continue to help the organization accomplish its financial goals and was necessary to cover financial deficits in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing line.

“Without these internal allocations, the Corporation would face a significant underfunding of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing line and technology projects aimed at modernizing and streamlining our business delivery to customers. This decision was the most financially responsible option,” said Giesbrecht. “This is not the first time that MPI has needed to transfer excess funds from Extension to Driver and Vehicle Licensing. This line of business has operated in a historic deficit. Between 2005 and 2014, a cumulative $134 million was transferred from Extension to cover the operational deficit of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing line of business.”

“The Corporation is committed to providing transparency to the public about its financial operations, including additional details in our annual reporting, as well as our future direction in enhancing delivery to customers and working with the Province on a long-term framework for the self-sufficiency of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing line,” explained Giesbrecht.

While provincial health orders are lifting mandatory mask usage as of March 15, Manitoba Public Insurance will become mask-friendly – encouraging its customers to wear a mask when attending a service or claim centre, however, they will no longer be mandatory.

In situations where distancing is not possible (road tests, oral knowledge test appointments and in-office cognitive assessments), MPI encourages customers to wear medical-grade masks, however it is not mandatory. These changes also apply to Driver Z instructors and students for in-car lessons.

“While no longer a health order, we encourage customers to assess their health and personal risk and consider wearing a mask within an MPI facility,” said Satvir Jatana, Chief Customer Officer, MPI.

Recently, MPI announced the suspension of its Third Party Pandemic policy, effective March 1. As a result, individuals will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result for services/appointments where physical distancing or barriers are not possible, which previously included road tests and driver assessments.

The policy previously applied to all third-party individuals, including consultants, volunteers, board members and contractors, including students and instructors in the Driver Z program.

Customers attending any MPI location must continue to adhere to the following requirements, until further notice:

• While customers will again be permitted to wait for their service/appointment in our Service Centre waiting rooms, they will need to maintain social/physical distancing requirements of 6 feet from staff and other customers.
• Answer pre-screening questions when receiving services or attending appointments. We also encourage customers to continue to also self-screen prior to attending our locations and if they have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not visit until they have subsided.

MPI’s plexi-glass barriers will also remain in place to provide additional protection for staff and customers.

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For more information contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

Manitoba Public Insurance is re-opening its Winnipeg Main Street Service Centre, effective March 10, 2022. While this location will remain a COVID-19 mobile, drive-thru testing centre operated by Shared Health, it will also offer MPI front counter services and driver testing appointments to customers.

MPI recently announced the suspension of its Third Party Pandemic policy, effective March 1. As a result, individuals who are not fully vaccinated or prefer not to share will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result for services/appointments where physical distancing or barriers are not possible, which previously included road tests and driver assessments.

The policy previously applied to all third-party individuals, including consultants, volunteers, board members and contractors, including students and instructors in the Driver Z program.

Customers attending any MPI location must continue to adhere to the following requirements, until further notice:

• Wear a mask at all times, preferably a medical grade mask.
• While customers will again be permitted to wait for their service/appointment in our Service Centre waiting rooms, they will need to maintain social/physical distancing requirements of 6 feet from staff and other customers.
• Answer pre-screening questions when receiving services or attending appointments. We also encourage customers to continue to also self-screen prior to attending our locations and if they have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not visit until they have subsided.

MPI’s plexi-glass barriers will remain in place to provide protection for employees and customers. MPI has also resumed booking oral knowledge test appointments.

“MPI is slowly returning to regular business operations,” MPI’s President and CEO Eric Herbelin said today. “We thank our customers for their understanding during the closure of the Main Street Service Centre and look forward to welcoming them back to this location.”

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Based on updated guidance from public health, Manitoba Public Insurance is announcing the suspension of its Third Party Pandemic policy, effective March 1. As a result, individuals who are not fully vaccinated or prefer not to share will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result for services/appointments where physical distancing or barriers are not possible, which previously included road tests and driver assessments.

The policy previously applied to all third-party individuals, including consultants, volunteers, board members and contractors, including students and instructors in the Driver Z program.

“Our primary concern continues to be the safety, health and well-being of our staff, customers and business partners,” said Satvir Jatana, Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “We will continue to keep key protocols in place to ensure the ongoing protection of everyone in our locations against the spread of COVID-19.”

Customers attending any MPI location must continue to adhere to the following requirements, until further notice:

• Wear a mask at all times, preferably a medical grade mask.
• While customers will again be permitted to wait for their service/appointment in our Service Centre waiting rooms, they will need to maintain social/physical distancing requirements of 6 feet from staff and other customers.
• Answer pre-screening questions when receiving services or attending appointments. We also encourage customers to continue to also self-screen prior to attending our locations and if they have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not visit until they have subsided.

MPI’s plexi-glass barriers will remain in place and employees that complete road tests and in-car assessments will be required to wear half mask respirators with P95/P100 filters until further notice.

MPI will also resume booking oral knowledge test appointments as of March 1.

A road safety observation study commissioned last fall by Manitoba Public Insurance reports that non-seatbelt use is higher in rural Manitoba with 10 per cent of all drivers observed not wearing their seatbelt, compared to three per cent in the Winnipeg capital region.

The two worst regions for non-seatbelt use were Interlake and Parkland at 16 and 14 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, the study also reported use of an electronic communication device (ECD) was higher in Winnipeg (10 per cent), compared to rural areas (three per cent).

“The purpose of this study was to obtain current rates of risky driving behaviour across Manitoba, with a focus on use of hand-operated electronic devices and seatbelt use,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Chief Customer Officer. “The findings of this study will be used as a benchmark to monitor behaviour change overtime, and shared with the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police for the purpose of planning future enforcement and awareness campaigns.”

The Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba (IBAM) is also an advocate for safe driving and warns that distracted driving can have both financial and human costs.

“Driving without a seatbelt is another example of dangerous driving that can ultimately lead to preventable accidents among our clients,” said Grant Wainikka, IBAM’s Chief Executive Officer. “Both non-seatbelt usage and distracted driving due to cell phones can lead to more severe accidents and in the long-term, higher premiums for Manitoba drivers. Safety needs to be the driver’s number one priority when behind the wheel.”

The road safety study was conducted in September (morning and afternoon hours) with an overall error rate of +/- 0.5 per cent. A total of nearly 29,000 vehicles were observed in 46 towns and cities with a population of at least 1,000. In total, eight economic regions were selected: Winnipeg capital region, Central Plains, Eastman, Interlake, Northern, Parkland, Pembina Valley and Westman.

Study Highlights:

• Overall, seven per cent of all drivers observed were using an ECD in some capacity
• ECD use appeared to be higher in areas with traffic lights
• ECD use is highest among younger drivers
• Overall, seven per cent of all drivers observed were not wearing their seatbelt
• Those driving trucks had slightly higher rates of not wearing a seatbelt compared to passenger cars or vans/SUVs
• Seatbelt non-use was split between males and females
• Drivers in rural areas wore their seatbelt less often across all age groups
• In cases where the driver was not wearing their seatbelt, 54 per cent of passengers were also not wearing their seatbelt

Overall, driver distraction is a leading contributor to fatal crashes in Manitoba, linked to nearly 50 per cent of all fatalities and 37 per cent of all serious injuries in 2020, according to MPI data. Using a hand-held electronic device while driving is illegal in Manitoba, with the offender receiving a $672 fine, three-day driving suspension for first-offenders and moving down five levels on the Driver Safety Rating scale. A subsequent conviction will result in a seven-day driving suspension and moving down the DSR scale five levels.

A person is more than 50 times more likely to be killed and almost four times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt. Failure to wear a seatbelt will result in a fine of $200 and moving down two levels on the Driver Safety Rating scale.

“High-risk driving behaviours places all motorists at risk on our public roadways,” said Jatana. “This study confirmed too many drivers continue to exhibit high-risk behaviours which can easily be changed.”

About 200,000 COVID-19 rebate cheques are being sent to Canada Post this week, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today. In total, 680,000 cheques will be issued in coming weeks, for a total rebate amount of $312 million. It’s expected all cheques will be mailed by mid-February.

“The pandemic has negatively impacted many Manitobans personal finances, but it has also reduced the collision claims to MPI allowing for a rebate,” Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Justice and Attorney General & Minister Responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) said today. “Returning these funds to its customers benefits Manitobans and is in keeping with the mandate of Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The last two years have been a challenging time in our province. This current rebate is both positive and welcomed. Together, we’ll work our way through this challenging time in our province.”

This is the third MPI COVID-19 rebate in less than two years. In total, MPI will have provided rebates of nearly $500 million to its policy holders ─ $110 million in May 2020 and $69 million in December 2020. This latest will result in about $328 rebated to an average private passenger policy.

“The financial strength of MPI has allowed us to once again provide a COVID-related rebate cheque,” said Eric Herbelin, President & CEO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Once again the public auto insurance model demonstrates its strength and financial benefits to our customers.”

The rebate is calculated on the Basic Autopac premiums paid between November 22, 2020, and December 9, 2021, and is expected to be about 27 per cent of the customer’s annual Basic Autopac premium. Rebate amounts of $10 or less will be credited to the customer’s account.